menu_open Columnists
Ezgi Akin

Ezgi Akin

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Trump-Erdogan ties pay off for Turkey in 2025 as Ankara pushes for F-35s

Leader-level diplomacy between Ankara and Washington produced selective gains but failed to break the deadlock over defense sanctions imposed for...

previous day 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Somalia’s president heads to Turkey as Israel’s Somaliland recognition rattles region

Somalia’s president heads to Turkey as Israel’s Somaliland recognition rattles region

The Somali leader’s visit comes amid a heightened Turkish-Israeli rivalry, fueled by Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, in the region and beyond.

29.12.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Jet carrying Libyan army chief crashes after departing Ankara

Jet carrying Libyan army chief crashes after departing Ankara

The jet lost contact after departing Ankara, with Turkish authorities launching search and rescue efforts.

23.12.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

US 'not satisfied' with M23 withdrawal from Congo town, official says

US 'not satisfied' with M23 withdrawal from Congo town, official says

Dec 23 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is not satisfied with the Rwanda-backed M23's withdrawal from a strategic town in eastern Congo, a senior...

23.12.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Two CMA CGM vessels navigate the Suez Canal in sign of easing tension

Two CMA CGM vessels navigate the Suez Canal in sign of easing tension

CAIRO, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Two vessels from CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping line, have travelled through the Suez Canal, the...

23.12.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Two men found guilty of UK plot to kill hundreds of Jews as IS fears grow

Two men found guilty of UK plot to kill hundreds of Jews as IS fears grow

By Sam Tobin and Andy BruceLONDON, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Two men were found guilty on Tuesday of plotting to kill hundreds in an Islamic State-inspired...

23.12.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Europe’s top court moves to fast-track Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala's case: What to know

Europe’s top court moves to fast-track Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala's case: What to know

The new move is expected to speed up review of Osman Kavala’s continued imprisonment and Turkey’s repeated failures to release him. 

23.12.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Facing Israeli pushback, Turkey recalibrates public messaging on Gaza force

Facing Israeli pushback, Turkey recalibrates public messaging on Gaza force

Turkey’s top diplomat has suggested that being part of the Gaza stabilization force is not Ankara’s priority.

19.12.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara

Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara

The incident near the capital has sparked debate over response and raised questions over Turkey’s defense capabilities. 

18.12.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey launches probe into HBO series citing ‘moral’ values: What to know

Turkey launches probe into HBO series citing ‘moral’ values: What to know

The probe into the TV series has fueled debate over censorship and artistic freedom in the country. 

16.12.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Anti-Hamas Gazan clansman reported killed, in blow to Israeli policy

By Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-MughrabiJERUSALEM/CAIRO Dec 4 (Reuters) - The head of an armed Palestinian faction that opposes Hamas in Gaza has been ...

05.12.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Ankara: Jailed PKK chief favors unitary Syria, no separate Kurdish defense force

The militant leader called for “police-like” security units in Syrian Democratic Forces areas during his landmark meeting with a Turkish...

05.12.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s spy chief holds talks in Egypt over trapped Hamas militants

Turkey’s spy chief met with Qatari, Egyptian officials as the Gaza ceasefire process stalls over Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels.

26.11.2025 9

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey secures COP31 climate summit after compromise with Australia: What to know

The agreement follows a two-year diplomatic tug-of-war between Ankara and Canberra to host the global event.

20.11.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Erdogan’s top ally Bahceli slams foot-dragging on meeting with PKK leader

The nationalist leader criticized the parliamentary committee for dragging its feet on a meeting with the jailed PKK leader, as Turkey’s president...

19.11.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's Fidan says Hamas 'ready' to cede Gaza control amid Trump’s ceasefire push

The message was conveyed to the Turkish side during talks between Ankara and the militant group, a source told Al-Monitor.

03.11.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Iran's Supreme Leader says cooperation with US not possible while it backs Israel

DUBAI (Reuters) -Cooperation between Iran and the United States is not possible as long as Washington continues to support Israel and to maintain...

03.11.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey, Iraq sign oil-for-water deal: What to know

The landmark deal between Ankara and Baghdad sets out a finance mechanism to direct Iraqi oil proceeds into Turkish-built water infrastructure.

03.11.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey seeks to bolster Eastern Med foothold in new Libya energy talks

The talks between the Turkish ambassador in Libya and the Tripoli government’s energy minister come as Turkey seeks to reduce dependence on...

28.10.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Rubio seeks quick deployment of international Gaza force

Top US diplomat Marco Rubio voiced hope Friday of soon putting together an international force to police the ceasefire in Gaza, as Palestinian...

24.10.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's main opposition survives court challenge amid legal crackdown 

The court ruling ended months of political uncertainty over the Republican People’s Party's leadership, fueling concerns over...

24.10.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey readies Gaza rescue crews pending final dispatch decision

The dispatch of Turkish search and rescue crews remains pending coordination with other countries and final approval in Ankara.

15.10.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey wants PKK leader Ocalan to sway Kurdish-led SDF on joining Syria army

Ankara seeks to leverage peace talks with PKK while renewing threats against the SDF.

07.10.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Iran defense chief visits Turkey to boost military ties: What to know

The Iranian defense chief met with his Turkish counterpart as Tehran seeks to enhance its defense ties with Ankara.

02.10.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey evacuates passengers as Gaza aid flotilla vessel malfunctions

Ankara has yet to publicly pledge direct support for the flotilla’s mission amid Israeli warnings despite increasing calls from Turkish...

29.09.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkish, Armenian envoys to meet Wednesday amid renewed peace push

The sixth round of Turkish-Armenian normalization talks will follow the Washington peace summit between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is expected to...

08.09.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Morocco earthquake survivors protest to demand housing aid

Survivors of Morocco's 2023 earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people rallied in Rabat on Monday, demanding their houses be rebuilt as part of the...

08.09.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Swiss medics start hunger protest over Gaza outside parliament

By Emma Farge and Cecile MantovaniBERN (Reuters) -Swiss medics began a hunger protest outside parliament on Monday over the war in Gaza, pressing Bern...

08.09.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkish police storm CHP's Istanbul office as clashes erupt with lawmakers

Scuffles have erupted inside and outside the CHP’s Istanbul headquarters following last week’s dismissal of the party’s provincial head and 10...

08.09.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's Erdogan acknowledges 'alarming' rise in violence against women

After one of the deadliest months for femicides, the Turkish president highlights the country’s surge in violence against women but provides little...

04.09.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey, Armenia leaders eye cooperation as Azerbaijan peace process advances

The meeting came after the Aug. 8 peace summit in Washington, hosted by US President Donald Trump, between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and...

01.09.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

After weeks of threats, is Turkey softening line on Syrian SDF?

Turkey’s dialing down of rhetoric may be linked to ongoing Israel-Damascus security talks, an expert told Al-Monitor.  

30.08.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey detains top execs of defense firm Assan in military espionage probe

The company’s 10 subsidiaries have been placed under the control of Turkey's state-run  Savings Deposit Insurance Fund.

28.08.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey calls Israel's strike on Gaza hospital 'attack on press freedom'

ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey's presidential communications office on Monday called Israel's latest strikes on Gaza "an attack on press freedom and another...

25.08.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s spy chief meets Libya's Hifter in surprise visit to Benghazi

The surprise visit comes amid Ankara’s swiftly deepening thaw with eastern authorities after years of rivalry.

25.08.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey blocks Israel-linked ships from using its ports: What to know

Ship operators must declare vessels have no ties to Israel under new restrictions. 

22.08.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey launches military training for Syria’s new army: What to know

Ankara has launched training, consultancy and technical assistance support to Syrian troops, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. 

21.08.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey, Japan defense chiefs meet as China concerns push Tokyo toward drones

The Japanese defense chief’s visit focuses on defense industry cooperation, including a potential drone deal amid Tokyo's growing concerns over...

19.08.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s top religious body sparks outrage over women’s inheritance rights

Women rights activists say that the body is increasingly targeting women, challenging secular law and fostering conditions for gender-based violence.

15.08.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

After inking military pact, Turkey to provide Syria with weapons, training

The initial phase of Turkey-Syria military cooperation will address building a regular army and basic defensive needs, analysts say.

15.08.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey, Syria ink defense cooperation deal as Ankara ups pressure on Kurdish-led SDF

The military agreement comes amid Ankara’s warnings to the Pentagon-allied and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces over their refusal to integrate...

13.08.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey detains 30 as government crackdown on opposition deepens: What to know

Detainees include officials from Istanbul and Antalya municipalities and their family members as part of an ongoing corruption investigation into the...

12.08.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Israel steps up Gaza City bombing after Netanyahu vow to expand the offensive

By Nidal al-MughrabiCAIRO (Reuters) -Palestinians reported the heaviest bombardments in weeks on Monday in areas east of Gaza City, just hours after ...

11.08.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

6.1 earthquake strikes northwest Turkey, killing 1 and injuring dozens

The tremor centered in Balikesir killed one and injured dozens, sparking panic in surrounding provinces including Istanbul. 

11.08.2025 30

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Fidan to visit Egypt with Libya, Gaza on agenda

The top Turkish diplomat’s Cairo visit comes as Ankara-Cairo engagement deepens amid shifting power balances in North Africa and shared concerns...

08.08.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Unresolved property issues haunt stalled Cyprus peace process

NICOSIA (Reuters) -Decades-old property disputes stemming from Cyprus's unresolved division are stirring tensions on the island, threatening to derail...

05.08.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Lebanon's cabinet meets to discuss Hezbollah's arms after US pressure

By Maya Gebeily and Laila BassamBEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon's cabinet will meet on Tuesday to discuss Hezbollah's arsenal, after Washington ramped up ...

05.08.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Somalia’s Puntland releases Turkey arms cargo ship: What to know

Talks between Turkey and Puntland follow the seizure of a military cargo ship amid simmering disputes over authority with Mogadishu.

05.08.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey names new army chief in unexpected reshuffle

ANKARA — Turkey on Tuesday replaced Army Chief of Staff Metin Gurak before the end of his four year-term, according to the state-run Anadolu ...

05.08.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

UAE summer temperatures surge near record highs after hottest ever spring

By AbdelHadi Ramahi(Reuters) -The United Arab Emirates is facing surging temperatures this summer after its hottest spring ever, with temperatures ...

04.08.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin